Isham Jones - Make Believe (1921)

Make Believe
Words by Benny Davis
Music by Jack Shilkret
Performed by Isham Jones and His Orchestra
Recorded March 1921
Brunswick 5049
"Make Believe" is another one of those 1920s tunes that has remarkable similarities to "Whispering" which had been successfully recorded by the Paul Whiteman Orchestra in 1920. Note the use of the slide whistle in the second chorus. It reminds me of "Whispering."
Isham Jones (1894 - 1956) was the leader of an outstanding band for many years, towered above most contemporaries because of arrangements and impeccable musicianship. He had a full, rich ensemble sound and good beat enhanced by tasteful use of tuba or string bass. He was a tough disciplinarian but equally important as a composer whose songs became standards and enjoyed great popularity. Jones began in Chicago in 1915 playing tenor sax and led a trio. Later larger groups at Green Mill and Rainbo Gardens and good runs at Hotel Sherman. While touring, he played New York and appeared in London (1924). Prolific recording during 1920s and 1930s, his fame grew as he composed a hit tune or two almost every year. A top arranger of his was Gordon Jenkins and musicians Joe Bishop, tuba, Jiggs Noble, piano, Johnny Carlson, trumpet, Milt Yaner alto sax and clarinet. Disbanded about 1942, thereafter led bands at intervals. Most notable compositions: "I'll See You In My Dreams," "On the Alamo," "Swingin' Down the Lane," "It had to be You," and "Why Can't this Night Go On Forever."

[@jbhamblen6806]

Thanks for this sound.. Real music...

[@bobboscarato1313]

Another lovely song by Isham Jones and Orchestra.

[@fredjmp]

Excellent Bill. I put in my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

[@kimberlymusick3489]

lyrics: There are times when you feel sad and blue Something's wrong, you don't know what to do When you feel that way, stop and think awhile Just make believe and smile Make believe you are glad when you're sorry Sunshine will follow the rain When things go wrong, it won't be long Soon they'll be right again Tho' your love dreams have gone, make believe, don't let on Smile tho' your heart may be broken For when bad luck departs, you will find good luck starts Don't grieve, just make believe When your dearest friends have turned away And blue skies above have turned to gray Don't worry for it may not all be true Here's my advice to you Make believe you are glad when you're sorry Sunshine will follow the rain When things go wrong, it won't be long Soon they'll be right again Tho' your love dreams have gone, make believe, don't let on Smile tho' your heart may be broken For when bad luck departs, you will find good luck starts Don't grieve, just make believe

[@mainaccount131]

Super excellent with good interesting photos

[@bobbyroy84]

I ADORE these Beautiful little fun Brunswick gems. This one is wonderful, I may add that You posted one fine and very well done video to go with this beauty!

[@itoral]

Alexander (RedHotJazz) indicates a March recording date. But 45Worlds, Brunswick, DAHR and Lord have this title on Brunswick 5049 recorded more in December 2020. DAHR (ADP) has this from either of two matrices being 4894 and 4895. (Issued in April per 45Worlds. Flip side of 'Do You Ever Think of Me'.)

[@frankolen4137]

Good song

[@mainaccount131]

Delightful

[@BixBix81]

Hi! I like this one too - like a Your DO YOU EVER THINK OF ME. Thank You very much.. Bixbix81

[@drowlstine3496]

I have been listening to this guy's music and a lot of it would be perfect for a dark and weird Alice/0z style portal story. You know the kind of genre I am talking about they even have ironic names ""like'' I see you in my dreams or make-belief, and the best part about the dark is a whimsical thing is you can still stay true to the original nonironic spirit of the song while still taken advantage of the creep factor that comes with old music.

[@PauloVictorAlves1920]

So I have my version for the lyrics: "There are times when you feel sad and blue Something’s wrong you don’t know what to do. When you feel that way stop and think a while, Just look at Christ and smile. [Chorus] Look at Him in the days when you’re sorry, Sunshine will follow the rain; When things go wrong, It won’t be long, Soon they’ll be right again. Tho’ your love dreams have gone, Look at Christ, don’t let on, Smile tho’ your hear may be broken; For when bad days departs, you will find sunshine sparks, don’t grieve, just look at Him."

[@ericcolacino1825]

Boardwalk Empire!

[@luiseduardosalazar1402]

What instrument is that on solo..?...is it an acoustic saw...?

[@dantep4966]

That’s a slide whistle being played by Wendell Hall. It was his first record. He had to crawl under the piano to get to the horn for his solo.